Outdoor Lighting Placement: Easy Ideas for Exterior Lighting
Learn how to illuminate your exterior with these outdoor lighting ideas.
To ensure that you have the proper amount of light for your patio, deck, or outdoor space, it is crucial to make sure they are placed in the right spot and are the right type. For outdoor lighting placement ideas and recommendations, read our guide.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Tape measure
- Paper
- Pencil
- Step ladder
1. Next to Entryway Doors or Garage Doors
If you have one light next to your entryway or garage door, then it should be 1/3 of the height of the door. If you will be placing one light on each side of the door, then the lights should be 1/4 of the height of the door. The lights should also be placed 66" from the floor or ground to properly illuminate the lock and handle. Lights should also be placed 6" from the edge of the door. Bookend entrances and garage doors with barn lights, wall lanterns, armed sconces, or bulkhead lights for practical yet stylish outdoor lighting.
Flush or Semi-Flush Lights: If a fixture is placed above your doorway, it should be at least 1/4 of the width of the doorway. To figure this out, measure the width of your doorway and divide it by 4. For example, if your doorway is 36" wide, divide that number (in inches) by 4, and buy a light that is 9" wide. The fixture should also be 1/4 of the height of the doorway. Measure the height of the doorway and divide that number (in inches) by 4 to determine your fixture height.
Pendant & Hanging Lights: If you are hanging a pendant light from an entryway porch or ceiling, we recommend having a fixture that is 1/5 of the door's height. Measure the height of the door in inches and divide by 5. For example, if your door is 80" tall, divide it by 5, and buy a light that is 16" tall (or that hangs down 16" from the ceiling). Make sure the bottom of the light hangs at least 7' off the ground. If you have low porch ceilings, choose a flush mount or semi-flush mount to ensure you have enough clearance underneath. Either way, make sure there is at least 6" of space between the top of the door and the light fixture.
If you are hanging a chandelier or pendant from a covered patio or porch, make sure the base of the light hangs at least 7' above the ground and is centered above the seating area. If the light is hanging above a dining table, measure the width of your dining table and subtract 6" on either side to find the right size light. The light should also hang at least 34" above the surface of the table. This will ensure no one bumps their head and ensures the light won't obstruct your view of your dinner guests.
The post should be secured about 1 1/2' – 2' below the ground, the light fixture should be 1/4 the height of the exposed pole, and the exposed pole should be 5 1/2' – 1/2' tall. When placing a post light, make sure it is at least a foot away from your driveway or sidewalk to allow for easy plowing and shoveling.
Lights should be placed every few feet and should be 6" away from the path. Try alternating or staggering the lights on each side of the path to make it more visually appealing and illuminate the path more effectively.
Make sure your fan is installed at least 7' above the floor and there are at least 8" – 10" between the ceiling and the top of the fan's blades. The fan blade tips should also be at least 30" from surrounding walls or other obstructions.
There is no hard and fast rule to find the right size flood or spotlight. However, we recommend installing them at least 6' – 8' from the ground, whether they are on your garage, back porch, or other areas of your yard – both to get more coverage and to keep burglars from tampering with the lights. While you may want security lights to light up the front and back of your home, don't forget the sides and corners of your home! Just make sure the light won't annoy neighbors. For areas where you want added protection, make sure to buy enough lights so the beams overlap – this provides full coverage and eliminates dark spots.
Tip!
We also recommend motion sensor lights to save power and add a bit of extra security for the exterior of your home.
To learn about how to layer lighting in your front yard or on your patio, check out our our Outdoor Lighting Guide. For tips on hanging outdoor lights, review How to Install Outdoor Lighting.
